Accessible SCHELL sanitary solutions for more safety and independence in later life

The International Day of Older Persons on 1 October honours the achievements of the older generation and the value that they represent for our society. Initiated by the UN, this day also raises awareness about the situation and needs of older people. Figures show that our society is getting older on average. In 1991, there were 12 million people aged 65 and over in Germany. In 2021, this figure was already 18.4 million – and is set to rise still further. At the same time, people want to stay independent until very late in life. Sanitary facilities that have been equipped to be accessible meet this need, and enable senior citizens and people with limited mobility to retain their independence and quality of life as long as possible. But how is a sanitary facility designed to meet accessibility standards? Answers to this question can be found in the corresponding codes of practice – and in the SCHELL bathroom products for older persons.

Bathrooms can be a dangerous place for older people

Statistically speaking, the bathroom is where seniors tend to have the most accidents. Smooth tiles, slippery shower cubicles and a lack of grab handles present a serious risk of accident for older people, who are more likely to hurt themselves when they fall, as a result of bone density loss as we age. The risk of scald injuries from very hot water is also higher, as older people are often less able to react quickly to dangers. To reduce the risk of injury, sanitary facilities that are to be used by older people or users with physical limitations should be designed to be accessible.

Planning accessible sanitary facilities: the most important codes of practice

The standards applicable to an accessible sanitary facility – in terms of size, space to move and equipment – are set out in several technical codes.

Risk of scalding detected and corrected: MODUS series fittings with ThermoProtect

In sanitary facilities used by high-risk individuals – such as multi-generational bathrooms, nursing homes and hospitals – shower fittings and wash basin taps with anti-scalding protection ensure safe bathing and provide vulnerable groups of users with reliable protection against potential injury from excessively hot water. SCHELL fittings from the Plus X Award-winning MODUS series are the perfect choice for equipping an accessible bathroom. Both the MODUS single-lever mixer and the MODUS MD-T exposed shower fitting feature anti-scalding protection with the ThermoProtect system. A user-friendly and ergonomic design should also be an important part of any accessible sanitary equipment: the MODUS wash basin tap features an open loop handle that makes it easy to operate, even by users with limited mobility. Thanks to its IsoBody feature, the shower thermostat has a thermally insulated housing that also offers reliable protection against burns.

WC flush – easy to operate with a remote button or infrared sensor

The MONTUS Field H WC operating panel for use by people with disabilities is the perfect add-on to the accessible MONTUS Flow H WC module. The flush can be triggered either by using the generously sized operating panel or via an operating button on the grab bar, alternatively by an external switch. This simplifies the use of the facility by people with limited mobility. Another option – which is particularly recommended for sanitary facilities on public and semi-public premises – is the use of contactless WC controls, such as the EDITION E from SCHELL. This is triggered by an infrared sensor: hygienically and without physical contact. When the user goes out of range of the sensor, the fitting detects the end of the usage period and starts the flush automatically. For urinals, SCHELL offers the EDITION E electronic urinal control.

Summary

To enable older people to use sanitary facilities both safely and independently, these must be designed with accessible solutions in mind. SCHELL fittings make an important contribution to protecting user health and improving life quality for seniors. Many of the company’s products are equipped with functions that are particularly suitable for use by older people and vulnerable user groups. The International Day of Older Persons can be used as an opportunity to check sanitary facilities for accessibility and safety, and make renovations as necessary.